Math Problem Statement

A line perpendicular to the line segment joining the points A(1,0) and B(2,3), divides it at C in the ratio of 1:3. Then the equation of the line is

Solution

To determine the equation of the line that is perpendicular to the line segment joining the points A(1,0)A(1,0) and B(2,3)B(2,3) and divides it at CC in the ratio of 1:3, we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine the coordinates of point CC

Given that CC divides the segment ABAB in the ratio 1:31:3, we can use the section formula. The coordinates of C(x,y)C(x, y) are given by: x=mx2+nx1m+nx = \frac{mx_2 + nx_1}{m+n} y=my2+ny1m+ny = \frac{my_2 + ny_1}{m+n}

Here, A(x1,y1)=(1,0)A(x_1, y_1) = (1, 0), B(x2,y2)=(2,3)B(x_2, y_2) = (2, 3), m=1m = 1, and n=3n = 3.

So, x=12+311+3=2+34=54x = \frac{1 \cdot 2 + 3 \cdot 1}{1+3} = \frac{2 + 3}{4} = \frac{5}{4} y=13+301+3=3+04=34y = \frac{1 \cdot 3 + 3 \cdot 0}{1+3} = \frac{3 + 0}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

Thus, the coordinates of point CC are (54,34)\left(\frac{5}{4}, \frac{3}{4}\right).

Step 2: Determine the slope of ABAB

The slope of the line segment ABAB is given by: mAB=y2y1x2x1=3021=3m_{AB} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{3 - 0}{2 - 1} = 3

Step 3: Determine the slope of the perpendicular line

The slope of a line perpendicular to another line is the negative reciprocal of the original slope. Therefore, if the slope of ABAB is 33, the slope of the perpendicular line is: m\perpendicular=13m_{\perpendicular} = -\frac{1}{3}

Step 4: Determine the equation of the perpendicular line

The perpendicular line passes through the point C(54,34)C\left(\frac{5}{4}, \frac{3}{4}\right) and has a slope of 13-\frac{1}{3}.

Using the point-slope form of the equation of a line: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)

Substitute y1=34y_1 = \frac{3}{4}, x1=54x_1 = \frac{5}{4}, and m=13m = -\frac{1}{3}: y34=13(x54)y - \frac{3}{4} = -\frac{1}{3}\left(x - \frac{5}{4}\right)

Step 5: Simplify the equation

Multiply through by 12 to clear the fractions: 12(y34)=12(13(x54))12 \left(y - \frac{3}{4}\right) = 12 \left(-\frac{1}{3} \left(x - \frac{5}{4}\right)\right) 12y9=4(x54)12y - 9 = -4(x - \frac{5}{4}) 12y9=4x+512y - 9 = -4x + 5 12y=4x+1412y = -4x + 14 4x+12y=144x + 12y = 14

Thus, the equation of the line is: 4x+12y=144x + 12y = 14

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some questions you might consider next:

  1. How do you find the equation of a line given two points?
  2. What is the section formula in coordinate geometry?
  3. How do you find the slope of a line perpendicular to a given line?
  4. How do you convert the point-slope form to the general form of a line equation?
  5. What is the importance of the slope in determining the orientation of a line?

Tip: Always remember that the slope of a perpendicular line is the negative reciprocal of the original line's slope.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Line Equations
Slope

Formulas

Point-slope form of a line equation

Theorems

Section Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12